Sunday, January 01, 2012

Gorges Signs 6-Year Extension

On Sunday afternoon, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they have re-signed veteran defenseman Josh Gorges to a new 6-year contract extension, reportedly worth $3.9 million per season against the salary cap, $23.4 million in total. The 27-year old defenseman signed a 1-year deal in the off-season to remain with the club, likely looking forward to signing a long-term extension, which we see here today.

Gorges is quietly having a pretty good campaign for the Canadiens, scoring 1 goal and 9 assists in 39 games for the club, a year after suffering a serious knee injury.  The Canadiens blueline has been riddled with injury over the last few seasons, Gorges included, it has been a refreshing change to see him healthy and playing well, helping to keep Montreal within reasonable range of a playoff spot.

It has been a hard season for the Canadiens and their blueline, but since they are only 8 points out of 8th spot in the East, it could be considered 'managing under trying circumstances.'

Salary CapAs of right now, with some rough estimates in my workbook, I have the Canadiens currently looking towards the 2013 season with 12 players signed (seven forwards, four defensemen and a goalie) on for $46.2 million. Out of this group, there are plenty of core players currently on the roster, which is promising for the club, but they will have players like Carey Price to contend with in restricted free agency.

ImplicationsGorges was taken in the draft this year, taken 299th overall by Munden G. in the draft and is currently ranked 549th in pool scoring, 85th among all defensemen.  With 88 total defensemen active in the pool this season, that actually makes him a pool-worthy player to this point in the year.  Gorges, known more for his defensive responsibility, has done well to keep himself a worthy player for our poolies.

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